The October 2015 Edition of The Big Thrill

Read the stories that were in the October edition of the Big Thrill.
The October issue contains a number of exciting firsts. This month Sue Grafton makes her debut in The Big Thrill, with a candid conversation on the craft of writing. In the first outing of the column “Turning Point,” Karin Slaughter reveals what’s different about her new novel, Pretty Girls. “Trend Watch” will report on changes in suspense publishing, and Dawn Ius writes about horror making a resurgence in YA, taking its darker cue from what’s on TV these days. In “Guided Tour,” Peter Tonkin gives a first-hand account of exploring Dahab, an Egyptian town on the coast of the Sinai Peninsula, which became the setting of his new novel.

Your ThrillerFest team is already hard at work planning for next July’s conference where we’ll feature 2016 ThrillerMaster Heather Graham and bestselling authors C.J. Box, Gillian Flynn and Walter Mosley. The 2016 Silver Bullet will be announced shortly. Like a compelling page-turner, we need to keep you in suspense, so stay tuned for more details!

Master CraftFest: Don’t miss this opportunity to study with the Masters of the genre in a one-day intensive workshop to take your writing to the next level. Everyone is welcome, from beginning writers to well-established authors. The instructors this year will be Steve Berry, Grant Blackwood, David Corbett, Meg Gardiner, Heather Graham, Andrew Gross, Richard Krevolin (Screen Writing) and Gayle Lynds.

CraftFest: Director D.P. Lyle, M.D. is already recruiting talented teachers to broaden your knowledge about the craft of writing as well as experts in fields like forensics and firearms so you can get the facts right in your novel.

PitchFest: PitchFest is dedicated to pitching your project face-to-face to agents, editors, and producers. It’s an unprecedented opportunity for writers looking to get or change agents. Check out some success stories!

ThrillerFest: We’re planning some phenomenal panels, always trying to innovate and entertain. Join us for the spotlight interviews, cocktail parties, workshops, and fabulous networking opportunities. Please check the volunteer box during registration, as it’s a great way to make new friends and help out ITW.

In this seven-week program, which begins March 14nd, 2016, the craft of thriller writing will be front and center. Each instructor will teach an aspect of craft though a podcast, written materials that include further reading and study suggestions, and an entire week of online Q&A with the registered students. The goal is simple: To make each student a better writer.

Like the past two years, the online school will fill up very quickly, so register soon. Visit ITW’s Online Thriller School for more information.

The Thriller Roundtable

Whether you’re a fan or an author, you’ll want to join the Thriller Roundtable discussions at The Big Thrill website, where each week a new group of authors discuss everything from what they love about writing thrillers, to what they’ve learned, and more.

Check out what’s in store for October. You won’t want to miss it!

September 28 – October 4: “Must a thriller prompt fear in readers? Can a plot work without that emotion?”October 5 – 11: “Some editors make big changes in a manuscript. What is the best change you ever received from an editor? The worst?”October 12 – 18: “Trends tend to emerge among thrillers. Should a writer try to stay current, anticipating these trends or avoid trends altogether?”October 19 – 25: “Does the layout of your home or those of friends or acquaintances make appearances in your novel?”October 26 – November 1: “As an author, do you find it more difficult to just read for pleasure?”

If you’re a thriller fan who likes to win free books, be sure to check out the Neverending Book Giveaway on The Big Thrill website. Sign up for as many of the contests as you like! Just post a reply, and you’re entered!

Don’t forget to scroll down the list of contests or CLICK HERE for more contests and giveaways so you don’t miss any. (Tip: to shorten the display, click “Toggle Comment Threads.”) And because this book giveaway is “neverending,” be sure to check back often to enter the latest drawings!

Monthly Giveaway

Congratulations to Christopher Castoro, the winner of this month’s BIG THRILL giveaway. Christopher will receive an assortment of signed thrillers including Slaughter by John Lutz, Anne & Henry by Dawn Ius and Coast to Coast: Murder From Sea to Shining Sea edited by Andrew McAleer and Paul D. Marks.

All subscribers to THE BIG THRILL online magazine are automatically eligible for the monthly drawing.

International Thriller Writers Inc represents professional authors from around the world. Learn more about them, their work, and the sources from which they draw their inspiration at the Official ITW Organization Website.

Interested in becoming a member of the International Thriller Writers? ITW offers Active and Associate memberships.

Inside Thrill Radio airs monthly, as host Jenny Milchman takes listeners deep behind the scenes to hear about brand new thrillers and how they came to be.

“Win, Lose, or Draw” is available starting April 19th: Three authors, who between them have racked up Edgar, Anthony, Agatha, Shamus, and Lefty award nominations, talk about their new thrillers! Will they win, lose, or draw at this year’s award ceremonies? Hear about their books and judge for yourself. Featuring guests Matt Coyle, Nadine Nettmann, and Lili Wright.